Memorable Holiday Weekend Reunions

Reunions don’t have to take place in the sweltering heat of summer. Gathering together is a cherished part of the holidays, making a perfect season for reunions. Whether you’re hosting out-of-town family, friends, or planning a group get-together to celebrate the season, we have ideas for a variety of ages and interests.

Make memories and enjoy a taste of Kansas City as you host an amazing reunion.

Friday Night Fun Night

Head to Paint, Glaze & Fire on the second Friday of the month for family night. Their $45 special includes four studio fees, a large pizza and soda, plus 15 percent off pottery. You can add guests for $6 each and add pizza as well—so this package accommodates any family perfectly. They offer a wide selection of ceramics, from ornaments to mugs to figurines, featuring favorite animals, characters and seasonal pieces. If the second Friday doesn’t work, the shop is open every Friday (and throughout the week), and you’ll find great KC coupons.

Paradise Park offers a variety of group packages. Book an Exit Room (specifically designed for families so tweens and teens can participate) and work together to crack the code and escape in under an hour. Then, enjoy some of the adventures like laser tag, rock wall climbing, foam factory or arcades. Save with KC coupons.

Make some hot cocoa and warm cookies and bundle up for a light-seeing tour. Lights are on starting mid-November, and you’ll find a complete guide to KC lighting ceremonies. We love the whimsy of the Legends tree synchronized to carols, the 100-foot-tall mayor’s Christmas tree at Crown Center, and the Magic Tree in Lee’s Summit near Christmas in the Park. Check out our guide to the best Christmas lights in Kansas City.

Saturday in the City

The Crown Center District is ideal for entertaining a variety of ages. If you have children in your group, book a session at Kaleidoscope (reservations will ensure they have space for your group). Then, enjoy a spin on the ice at the Crown Center Ice Terrace, or explore Sea Life Aquarium or Legoland. The day after Thanksgiving, the mayor’s tree is lit in a ceremony complete with music and fireworks. Once the decorations are ready, be sure to snap photos under the mayor’s tree and enjoy the outdoor playground. For lunch, children love Fritz’s, where trains deliver food to your table, but grown-ups may be partial to Unforked, where the delicious menu is prepared with locally grown ingredients. After lunch, walk the Link to Union Station. Catch a film on the Extreme Screen, explore Science City and, after Nov. 17, enjoy holiday traditions including the Jones Store Train, holiday films and beautiful decorations. For dinner, treat your guests to a Kansas City classic at Jack Stack at the Freight House (reservations recommended). Then, drive home through the Country Club Plaza lights (lit beginning Thanksgiving evening) for a finale to the evening.

Spend the day at the National World War I Museum, a world-class museum telling the story of the Great War. On Nov. 11, the museum is commemorating the centennial of Armistice Day with special events. Enjoy lunch in the museum’s café. Then, take a tour of Downtown aboard the streetcar (see our Streetcar scavenger hunt to enjoy). Choose one of many great restaurants in the KC Power & Light District for dinner.

Sunday Funday

Visit the National Museum of Toys and Miniatures, one of our favorite multigenerational outings. Something is so special about our childhood memories of playing with beloved toys, whether that favorite electric train set, a special dollhouse, a keepsake tea set or the greatest pinball game ever. Toys connect generations, and there is no place better to reminisce and create family connections. Explore the largest collection of nostalgic toys, fine-scale miniatures and marbles in the Midwest.

Our family took a trip to the museum with four generations. As we culled through room upon room of treasures, grandparents, great-grandparents, aunts, uncles, parents and children shared their favorite memories playing with marbles, a favorite Barbie doll or Raggedy Ann, ride-on pedal toys, paper dolls, Teddy bears and dollhouses. The children loved discovering surprises in every dollhouse and each room of the museum, and the adults loved watching their reactions and remembering their own childhoods.

The Kansas City Zoo is home to several amazing indoor exhibits, and the holidays are especially fun. Santa dives with the penguins on weekends (beginning Thanksgiving weekend), and the zoo hosts several holiday-themed events (all on the calendar on KCParent.com). You’ll love watching Berlin and Bam Bam, the zoo’s resident polar bears, play in their polar oasis. The penguins are always a delight, and you can head next door to experience the stingray touch tank. These are just a few of our favorite indoor exhibits at the zoo, perfect to enjoy on a brisk winter’s day. Tip: Bring your own picnic or dine at one of the zoo’s restaurants.

Sign up for a group session at iFly, where you can experience the magic of flight with indoor skydiving. Coaches at iFly guide each member of your group through the process in their fun and safe environment. This is an unforgettable family adventure. Read about our iFly Adventure here.

These ideas are just the tip of the iceberg. You’ll find more inspiration with our KC Going Places guide features hundreds of attractions sorted by category, budget and neighborhood. Our KC calendar is another great tool for planners. And always remember to check our KC coupons for great savings.

Kristina Light loves sharing her city with others and will be sharing more holiday ideas on KCParent.com all season long.